Newsletter - Mar 11, 2026
In a rapidly changing world, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control: strengthening our economy at home while diversifying our partnerships abroad. Much of this work is taking place across the Indo-Pacific, one of the most dynamic regions in the global economy.
Recently, the Prime Minister travelled to Tokyo to meet with Japan’s Prime Minister, where both countries announced a new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Canada and Japan. Japan is the world’s fourth-largest economy and an important partner for Canada, with nearly $40 billion in bilateral trade. Japanese companies are also deeply connected to Canada’s auto sector, with roughly 70 percent of vehicles manufactured in Canada produced by Japanese companies, supporting thousands of high-quality careers for Canadian workers.
This partnership will deepen cooperation across defence, energy, critical minerals, trade, and emerging technologies. It will also expand collaboration on cybersecurity, maritime security, and innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence and space technologies, while helping attract new investment into Canada.
Our government is also strengthening ties with Australia. During a recent visit to Sydney and Canberra, Canada and Australia announced new partnerships focused on clean energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Canada also welcomed Australia into the Critical Minerals Production Alliance, an initiative to strengthen supply chains for the resources needed in batteries, advanced manufacturing, and the technologies that power the modern economy.
At the same time, Canada is renewing and expanding its partnership with India. As the world’s fastest-growing major economy and home to more than 1.4 billion people, India presents significant opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. During the Prime Minister’s and I’s visit to Mumbai and New Delhi, my second visit since I became the Foreign Affairs Minister, Canada and India announced a range of initiatives across energy, critical minerals, technology, talent, and defence cooperation.
Both our countries also confirmed our intention to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement this year, with the goal of more than doubling two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030. We also launched a new Strategic Energy Partnership and strengthened collaboration in areas such as clean energy, research, and innovation, while expanding education and talent exchanges between Canadian and Indian institutions.
Beyond international partnerships, Canadians are also coming together to celebrate sport and the athletes who represent our country with determination and pride.
The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina will bring together athletes from around the world in a powerful display of perseverance, excellence, and inclusion. Paralympic athletes inspire Canadians through their dedication and determination, reminding us of the power of sport to unite communities and showcase extraordinary resilience.
At the same time, youth from across the circumpolar North are gathering for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon. For more than 55 years, these Games have brought together young athletes from northern regions across Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and the Sápmi region. Beyond competition, the Arctic Winter Games celebrate northern cultures, friendship, and youth leadership.
From strengthening global partnerships that support Canadian workers to celebrating athletes who inspire us all, these moments reflect Canada’s continued commitment to building a strong future at home and abroad.
Recent Highlights
Trip to India
A look back at my second visit to India as Foreign Minister, where I accompanied the Prime Minister. We did not just renew our partnership, we strengthened and expanded it. This evolving partnership will help double our trade and create new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses as we move faster and build bigger together.
International Women's Day
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women and girls in Oakville and across Canada. We honour the trailblazers who broke barriers, the leaders who inspire us, and the everyday heroes including mothers, daughters, mentors, and friends who lift our communities higher every single day.
A Message from Olympic Champions
A special message from Olympic gold medalists Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who train at Skate Oakville, sharing their love for our community and celebrating the strong friendship between Canada and Japan ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit. Grateful for the enduring people-to-people ties that continue to strengthen the relationship between our two countries. Click Here to Watch
Your March Federal Benefits
